Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a binder composition for electrode, a slurry for
electrode containing the binder composition, and an electrode, a secondary battery,
and others prepared by using the same.
Background Art
[0002] Devices reusable after recharging, for example secondary batteries such as lithium-ion
secondary battery, nickel metal-hydride secondary battery, and nickel cadmium secondary
battery and capacitors such as electric double-layer capacitor, have been used recently
in electronic devices.
[0003] These secondary batteries and capacitors generally contain electrodes, a separator,
and an electrolyte solution containing electrolytes. The electrodes are prepared as
a mixture layer by coating and drying an electrode material slurry containing an electrode
active material dispersed in a solvent containing a resin binder dissolved therein
on an electrode current collector.
[0004] Polyvinylidene fluoride (hereinafter, referred to as PVDF), which has been frequently
used industrially as a resin binder for lithium-ion secondary battery electrodes,
cannot satisfy the requirements for high-performance batteries at the level demanded
recently.
[0005] For example when PVDF is used as a binder, as disclosed in
JP 2004-134365 A, a nitrogen-containing organic solvent, for example an amide such as N-methylpyrrolidone
(hereinafter, NMP) or a urea, is used as the solvent used in production of the mixture
layer. However, the nitrogen-containing organic solvent such as NMP should be recovered,
because release to the environment of the solvent vapor formed during the drying step
causes an environmental problem.
[0006] Accordingly, proposed was use of an aqueous binder as the resin binder. For example,
JP 2000-294230 A discloses a negative-electrode mixture paste prepared by dispersing a carbon material
(as negative-electrode active material) and an aqueous mixture of an aqueous emulsion
of acrylic copolymer and carboxymethylcellulose (as binder) in a solvent water.
[0007] WO 2011/024789 A1 discloses a composition for forming an electrode, comprising 100 parts by mass of
a modification polymer and 1 to 50 parts by mass of a binder resin. The modification
polymer is a copolymer of a monomer having a sulfonic acid/salt group and a monomer
selected from the group consisting of a monomer having a carboxylic group acid/salt
group, a monomer having a hydroxy group, and a monomer having a skeleton derived from
ethylene oxide or propylene oxide.
[0008] However, conventional aqueous binders have been used mainly on negative electrode
plates. They had a problem that they were less suited for coating on positive electrode
plates, particularly because of insufficient dispersibility of the coating slurry
in the electrode plate-producing process, and did not give batteries with sufficient
performance.
[0009] Particularly recently, demand for improvement in performance of batteries lead to
modification of electrode active substances, and there also exists currently a need
for improvement in performance of the binder.
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0010] An object of the present invention, which was made to solve the problems above and
under the circumstances above, is to provide a binder composition for electrode more
favorable in properties and superior in storage stability.
Solution to Problem
[0011] The present invention, which was made to solve the problems above, is an invention
having the following aspects [1] to [16].
- [1] A binder composition for electrode, comprising polymer particles containing
(a) an ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester compound and (b) an ethylenic unsaturated
sulfonic acid compound at a (a)/(b) mass ratio of (98 to 91)/(2 to 9) in a total (a)
and (b) amount of 70 mass % or more, based on the monomeric raw materials, and (c)
an ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic acid, wherein the content of the ethylenic unsaturated
carboxylic acid is 0.1 to 1.0 mass % based on the total amount of the monomeric raw
material.
- [2] The binder composition for electrode described in aspect [1], wherein the ethylenic
unsaturated carboxylic ester compound (a) is one or more compounds selected from (a1)
ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester compounds having one or more hydroxyl groups
in the alcohol region; (a2) ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester compounds having
multiple (meth)acrylic groups and/or (meth)allyl groups; and (a3) ethylenic unsaturated
carboxylic ester compounds having an alkyl group having a carbon number of 8 or more
in the alcohol region.
- [3] The binder composition for electrode described in aspect [1] or [2], wherein the
ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester compound (a) contains an ethylenic unsaturated
carboxylic ester compound having one or more hydroxyl groups in the alcohol region
(a1) and the content of the compound (a1) is 1 to 9 mass %.
- [4] The binder composition for electrode described in any one of aspects [1] to [3],
wherein the ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester compound (a) contains an ethylenic
unsaturated carboxylic ester compound having multiple (meth)acrylic groups and/or
(meth)allyl groups (a2) and the content of the compound (a2) is 1 to 10 mass %.
- [5] The binder composition for electrode described in any one of aspects [1] to [4],
wherein the ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester compound (a) contains an ethylenic
unsaturated carboxylic ester compound having an alkyl group having a carbon number
of 8 or more in the alcohol region (a3) and the content of the compound (a3) is 10
to 98 mass %.
- [6] The binder composition for electrode described in any one of aspects [2] to [5],
wherein the ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester compound (a) contains additionally
(a4) an ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester compound having an alkyl group having
1 to 7 carbon atoms in the alcohol region and the content of the (a4) is 1 to 30 mass
%,
- [7] An electrode material slurry, comprising the binder composition for electrode
described in any one of aspects [1] to [6] and an active material.
- [8] An electrode material slurry, comprising a composite material of the binder composition
for electrode described in any one of aspects [1] to [6], an active material, and
a conductive assistant.
- [9] The electrode material slurry described in aspect [7] or [8], wherein the active
material is a positive-electrode active material, which is one or more compounds selected
from olivine-type lithium compounds and mixed lithium metal oxides such as lithium
cobaltate, lithium manganate, and lithium nickelate.
- [10] The electrode material slurry described in aspect [8], wherein: the composite
material is a mixture of the active material and the conductive assistant or the compound
thereof in which they are connected to each other between the carbon atoms; the active
material contains a powder of an olivine-type lithium compound (for example, lithium
iron phosphate, lithium manganese phosphate, or the mixed compound thereof); and the
conductive assistant contains acetylene black and/or carbon nanotube.
- [11] The electrode material slurry described in aspect [7] or [8], wherein: the active
material is a negative-electrode active material, which is one or more materials selected
from negative-electrode carbon materials, negative-electrode silicon oxide (SiOx)
materials, negative-electrode alloy materials, and negative-electrode tin oxide materials.
- [12] The electrode material slurry described in aspect [7], wherein the active material
is activated carbon.
- [13] An electrode produced by using the electrode material slurry described in any
one of aspects [7] to [12].
- [14] A secondary battery produced by using the electrode described in aspect [13].
- [15] An electric double-layer capacitor produced by using the electrode described
in aspect [13].
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0012] The binder composition for electrode according to the present invention gives an
aqueous slurry for electrode superior in properties and storage stability.
Description of Embodiments
1. Binder composition
[0013] The binder composition for electrode according to the present invention (hereinafter,
referred to simply as "binder composition") comprises polymer particles containing
(a) an ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester compound and (b) an ethylenic unsaturated
sulfonic acid compound at a (a)/(b) mass ratio of (98 to 91)/(2 to 9). The binder
composition according to the present invention comprises the polymer particles containing
(a) and (b) in a total amount of 70 mass % based on the monomeric raw materials. The
binder composition according to the present invention further comprises (c) an ethylenic
unsaturated carboxylic acid, wherein the content of the ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic
acid is 0.1 to 1.0 mass % based on the total amount of the monomeric raw material.
[0014] When the (a)/(b) mass ratio is in the range of (98 to 91)/(2 to 9), the electrode
material slurry prepared from the binder composition according to the present invention
shows very favorable storage stability. When the ratio is not within the range above,
the electrode material slurry has unfavorable storage stability, making it difficult
to give an electrode to obtain a lithium-ion secondary battery superior in discharge
rate and cycle characteristics.
[0015] In addition, the binder composition according to the present invention, which contains
the compounds (a) and (b) as the major components, gives an electrode material slurry
with favorable storage stability and thus a coated film with favorable smoothness.
[0016] It is possible, by using an electrode material slurry containing the binder composition
according to the present invention and by forming a mixture layer by coating the electrode
material slurry on a current collector, to obtain an electrode carrying a mixture
layer superior in properties such as adhesiveness and pencil hardness. It is also
possible by using the electrode to obtain a lithium-ion secondary battery, a nickel
metal-hydride secondary battery, an electric double-layer capacitor, or the like superior
in discharge rate and cycle characteristics.
[0017] In contrast, traditional aqueous binder compositions were less easily applicable
to electrode plate-producing process and give a product with insufficient electronic
performance, although they satisfy the requirements in toxicity and recovery cost
for the electrode plate-producing process. The binder composition according to the
present invention, when used, can overcome such problems and such an aqueous binder
composition is demanded urgently in the industry and has great industrial applicability.
(1) Monomeric raw material
[0018] The ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester compound (a) is not particularly limited.
[0019] The ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester compound can be prepared by a method known
in the art from an ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic acid and a (mono-or di-)alcohol
and the ester compound has an ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic acid region and an
alcohol region. The ester compound for use may be a compound thus prepared or a commercially
available compound.
[0020] Examples of the ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester compounds include various
(meth)acrylic esters and (meth)allyl esters. The terms "(meth)acrylic" and "(meth)allyl"
mean both "acrylic and methacrylic" and both "allylic and methallylic" respectively.
[0021] The ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester compounds (a) is preferably one of the
following compounds (a1) to (a4): Specifically, the ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic
ester compound (a) is, for example, one or more compounds selected from (a1) ethylenic
unsaturated carboxylic ester compounds having one or more hydroxyl groups in the alcohol
region, (a2) ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester compounds having more than one
(meth)acrylic groups and/or (meth)allylic groups, or (a3) ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic
ester compounds having an alkyl group having a carbon number of 8 or more in the alcohol
region. A combination of the compounds (a1), (a2), and (a3) is also favorable.
[0022] The alkyl group in the ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester compound having a "hydroxyl
group-containing alkyl group" in the alcohol region (a1) is preferably a linear or
branched hydrocarbon group, more preferably a linear hydrocarbon group.
[0023] The number of the carbons in the alkyl group is preferably 1 to 8, more preferably,
1 to 3. The number of the hydroxyl groups is not particularly limited, but preferably
1 or 2. The ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic acid region is preferably methacrylic
acid.
[0024] Typical examples of the compounds (a1) include 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl
(meth)acrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 4-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxycyclohexyl
(meth)acrylate, and the like. In particular, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and 4-hydroxybutyl
acrylate are preferable.
[0025] The compounds (a1) exemplified above may be used alone or as a mixture of two or
more.
[0026] The content of the compound (a1) is preferably 1 to 15 mass %, more preferably 1
to 9 mass %, and particularly 3 to 8 mass %, based on the total amount of the raw
material monomers.
[0027] The ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester compound having multiple (favorably two)
"(meth)acrylic groups and/or (meth)allyl groups" (a2) is not particularly limited.
The compound (a2) can be shown, for example, by "(meth)acrylic groups and/or (meth)allyl
groups" - O - "alkylene group-O"
n - "(meth)acrylic groups and/or (meth)allylic groups."
[0028] The "alkylene group" in the alcohol region of "alkylene group-O" is preferably a
linear or branched hydrocarbon group, more preferably a linear hydrocarbon group.
The carbon number of the "alkylene group" is preferably 1 to 5, more preferably 1
or 2.
[0029] n is preferably an integer of 0 to 4, more preferably of 0 to 2, and particularly
preferably of 0 or 1.
[0030] Typical examples of the compounds (a2) include (meth)allyl (meth)acrylate, ethylene
glycol di(meth)acrylate (e.g., ethylene glycol dimethacrylate), propylene glycol di(meth)acrylate,
tetramethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, 1,3-butylene glycol dimethacrylate, and the
like. In particular, allyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and the like
are preferable.
[0031] The compounds (a2) exemplified above may be used alone or as a mixture of two or
more.
[0032] The content of the compound (a2) is preferably 1 to 15 mass %, more preferably 1
to 10 mass %, and particularly preferably 1 to 7 mass %, based on the total amount
of the raw material monomers.
[0033] The ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester compound having "an alkyl group having
a carbon number of 8 or more" in the alcohol region (a3) is preferably the compound
in which the alkyl group has a carbon number of preferably 8 to 18, more preferably
8 to 12, and still more preferably 8 to 10. The alkyl group is preferably a linear
or branched hydrocarbon group and more preferably a branched hydrocarbon group.
[0034] Typical examples of the compounds (a3) include 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, n-octyl
(meth)acrylate, t-octyl (meth)acrylate, n-dodecyl (meth)acrylate, n-octadecyl acrylate,
nonyl (meth)acrylate, isononyl (meth)acrylate, decyl (meth)acrylate, isodecyl (meth)acrylate,
and the like. In particular, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate is preferable.
[0035] The compounds (a3) exemplified above may be used alone or as a mixture of two or
more.
[0036] The content of the compound (a3) is preferably 10 to 98 mass %, more preferably 60
to 90 mass %, and particularly preferably 70 to 90 mass %, based on the total amount
of the raw material monomers.
[0037] The compound (a) may contain additionally an ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic ester
compound having "an alkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms" in the alcohol region
(a4). The compound (a4) is, for example, a (meth)acrylic ester having a 1- to 7-carbon
alkyl group in the alcohol region. The example thereof is one or more compounds selected
from methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, propyl (meth)acrylate, butyl (meth)acrylate,
pentyl (meth)acrylate, hexyl (meth)acrylate, heptyl (meth)acrylate, and the like.
[0038] The alkyl group is preferably a linear or branched hydrocarbon group and more preferably
a linear hydrocarbon group. The number of the carbons in the alkyl group is preferably
1 to 3. The ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic acid region is preferably methacrylic
acid. In particular, methyl methacrylate is preferable.
[0039] The content of the compound (a4) is preferably 1 to 30 mass % and more preferably
2 to 25 mass %, based on the total amount of the raw material monomers.
[0040] The ethylenic unsaturated sulfonic acid compound (b) is, for example, one or more
compounds selected from vinylsulfonic acid, p-styrenesulfonic acid, (meth)allylsulfonic
acid, polyoxyethylene-1-allyloxymethyl alkylsulfonate esters, polyoxyalkylene alkenylether
sulfonate esters, polyoxyethylene allyloxymethyl alkoxyethylsulfonate esters, alkyl
allyl sulfosuccinates, and polyoxyalkylene (meth)acrylate sulfonate esters, or a salts
thereof. The salt is for example, an alkali-metal salt (e.g., Na or K), an alkali-earth
metal salt, an ammonium salt, or the like.
[0041] In particular, p-styrenesulfonic acid, polyoxyethylene-1-allyloxymethyl alkylsulfonate
esters, polyoxyalkylene alkenylether sulfonate esters, polyoxyethylene allyloxymethyl
alkoxyethylsulfonate esters, and the salts thereof are preferable, and polyoxyethylene-1-allyloxymethyl
alkylsulfonate esters and the salts thereof are more preferable.
[0042] These compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
[0043] The total content of the compounds (a) and (b) is preferably 70 mass % or more and
more preferably 90 mass % or more, based on the total amount of the raw material monomers.
When the content is in the range above, the binder composition according to the present
invention can be used as a slurry for secondary battery electrodes.
[0044] The composition contains an ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic acid (c) in addition
to the compounds (a) and (b) and examples thereof include (meth)acrylic acid, (meth)allylic
acid, and the like.
[0045] The content of the compound (c) is 0.1 to 1.0 mass %, preferably 0.1 to 0.9 mass
%, and particularly preferably 0.3 to 0.9 mass %, based on the total amount of the
raw material monomers. When the content is low, as in the range above, the electrode
material slurry containing the binder composition according to the present invention
is superior in storage stability and thus gives, when used, a coated film superior
in smoothness. For that reason, the binder composition according to the present invention
is favorable as an electrode material slurry.
[0046] The binder composition according to the present invention may contain, in addition
to the compounds (a) to (c), one or more monomeric raw materials selected from olefinic
compounds such as ethylene, vinyl ester compounds such as vinyl acetate, aromatic
hydrocarbon compounds such as styrene, conjugated diene compounds such as butadiene
and isoprene, and the like.
(2) Polymer emulsion
[0047] The method for producing the polymer emulsion is not particularly limited, and it
can be prepared by a method known in the art such as emulsion polymerization, suspension
polymerization, or emulsified dispersion polymerization. Additives such as polymerization
initiators, molecular weight adjusters, and emulsifiers may be used for polymerization
of the monomers above and for preparation of the polymer emulsion according to the
present invention.
[0048] Among the polymerization methods above, the emulsion polymerization method gives
the polymer emulsion according to the present invention easily. In particular, emulsion
polymerization by an emulsion-dropping method of mixing and dispersing monomers, water,
and part of the emulsifier in advance and adding the mixture dropwise during polymerization
is effective in giving a polymer emulsion with favorable properties.
[0049] The pH of the polymer emulsion is preferably in the range of 5 to 10, more preferably
of 5 to 9, from the points of the corrosion resistance of current collector metal
and the dispersion stability of active materials. The pH may be adjusted by addition
of a basic aqueous solution containing ammonia, an alkali metal hydroxide, or the
like. Examples of the alkali metal hydroxides include sodium hydroxide, potassium
hydroxide, and the like.
(3) Polymer particles
[0050] The polymer particles for use in the present invention comprises (a) an ethylenic
unsaturated carboxylic ester compound and (b) an ethylenic unsaturated sulfonic acid
compound at a (a)/(b) mass ratio of (98 to 91)/(2 to 9) in a total amount of (a) and
(b) of 70 mass % or more, preferably 90 mass % or more, based on the monomeric raw
materials.
[0051] The binder composition according to the present invention may comprise additionally
a polymer and polymer particles other than the polymer particles above and also additives
such as viscosity improvers and fluidizing agents.
[0052] The binder composition according to the present invention is a polymer emulsion containing
the polymer particles dispersed in water and the content of the polymer particles
in the composition is preferably 0.2 to 80 mass %, more preferably 0.5 to 70 mass
%, and still more preferably 20 to 60 mass %.
[0053] The aqueous binder composition according to the present invention gives, when used,
an electrode material slurry superior in storage stability and gives a coated film
superior in smoothness on the current collector. It is possible, by using an electrode
material slurry containing the binder composition according to the present invention,
to produce an electrode superior in adhesiveness between the current collector and
the active material and also in the pencil hardness of the film. The electrode also
gives, when used in secondary battery or capacitor, a secondary battery or a capacitor
superior in discharge rate and cycle characteristics.
2. Electrode material slurry according to the invention
[0054] The electrode material slurry according to the present invention is prepared from
the binder composition according to the present technology described above. The electrode
material slurry can be prepared by mixing active materials, additives, and others.
The electrode material slurry according to the present invention is preferably used
for preparation of electrodes for use in lithium-ion secondary batteries, nickel-hydrogen
secondary batteries, electric double-layer capacitors, and others and particularly
preferably for preparation of electrodes for use in lithium-ion secondary batteries.
(1) Active material
[0055] The active material for use may be any compound, if it is a material used in common
secondary batteries and capacitors.
[0056] The positive-electrode active material is for example a compound represented by the
following General Formula: AaMmZzOoNnFf (wherein A represents an alkali metal element;
M represents a transition metal element (Fe, Mn, V, Ti, Mo, W, or Zn) or a composite
thereof; Z represents a nonmetal atom (P, S, Se, As, Si, Ge, or B); O represents an
oxygen atom ; N represents a nitrogen atom; F represents a fluorine atom; a, m, z,
n, and f are ≥0; and o is >0).
[0057] Examples of the positive-electrode active materials for lithium-ion secondary batteries
include mixed lithium metal oxides mainly containing Li
xMetO
2. In the formula above, Met represents one or more transition metals, for example,
one or more metals selected from cobalt, nickel, manganese, and iron, and x is normally
in the range of 0.05≤ x ≤1.0. Typical examples of the mixed lithium metal oxides include
LiCoO
2, LiNiO
2, LiMn
2O
4, LiFeO
2, and the like.
[0058] Other examples include known positive-electrode active materials including olivine-type
lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO
4); olivine-type lithium compounds such as olivine-type lithium phosphate compounds
represented by LiMetPO
4 (Met=V, Fe, Ni, Mn); lithium-free metal sulfides and oxides such as TiS
2, MoS
2, NbS
2, and V
2O
5; and composite metals such as NbSe
2 and the like. Among these positive-electrode active materials, LiFePO
4 is particularly favorable for the binder composition according to the present technology.
[0059] The negative-electrode active material for lithium-ion secondary batteries is, for
example, one or more compounds selected from lithium metal, alloys of Li with a low-melting-point
metal such as Pb, Bi, or Sn, lithium alloys such as Li-Al alloy, carbonaceous materials,
and others. The carbonaceous negative-electrode active material may be any compound,
if it is a substance that can store and release the lithium ions responsible for battery
operation. Carbonaceous compounds such as graphitizable carbon, non-graphitizable
carbon, polyacene, and polyacetylene and acene-structure-containing aromatic hydrocarbon
compounds such as pyrene and perylene are used favorably. Various carbonaceous materials
can be used. In addition, lithium titanates represented by LixTiyOz and metal oxide
compounds such as SiOx and SnOx can also be used.
[0060] Examples of the positive-electrode active materials for nickel-hydrogen secondary
batteries include nickel hydroxide and the like. Examples of the negative-electrode
active materials for nickel-hydrogen secondary batteries include hydrogen-absorbing
alloys. Examples of the positive- and negative-electrode active materials for electric
double-layer capacitors include activated carbon and the like.
[0061] The amount of the binder composition according to the present technology in the electrode
material slurry according to the present invention is preferably 0.1 to 10 parts by
mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the active material. When the binder amount
is 0.1 part by mass or more, the active material such as LiFePO
4 is dispersed more easily and uniformly in the coating solution and gives a dry coated
film with favorable strength after the coating step. Alternatively when the binder
amount is not more than 10 parts by mass, it is possible to suppress decease of the
amount of the active material in the positive electrode and thus to prevent reduction
of the charge capacity.
(2) Conductive assistant
[0062] The electrode material slurry according to the present invention may contain, as
needed, a conductive assistant or the like.
[0063] Examples of the conductive assistants include carbon blacks such as acetylene black,
Ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black, as well
as carbon nanotubes, graphite powders, and various graphites. These assistants can
be used alone or in combination of two or more.
(3) Composite material
[0064] The electrode material slurry according to the present invention may contain a composite
material of multiple conductive assistants and active materials that are connected
to each other for improvement of the conductivity-providing efficiency and conductivity
of the conductive assistants and active materials. In the case of an electrode material
slurry for lithium-ion secondary batteries, examples of the composites include carbon
black composites of fibrous carbon with carbon black, those additionally complexed
and integrated with carbon-coated olivine-type lithium iron phosphate, and the like.
The carbon black composites of fibrous carbon and carbon black are prepared, for example,
by baking a mixture of fibrous carbon and carbon black. Alternatively, a mixture of
the carbon black composite and a positive-electrode active material such as olivine-type
lithium iron phosphate may be baked, to give a composite material.
[0065] Although it has been difficult to obtain an aqueous electrode material slurry with
favorable properties generally because of a problem in dispersibility, it is possible
by using the binder composition according to the present technology to obtain a favorable
electrode material slurry.
(4) Additives
[0066] The electrode material slurry according to the present invention may contain, as
needed, additives such as viscosity improvers and fluidizing agents added thereto.
[0067] Examples of the additives include water-soluble polymers such as polyvinylalcohol,
carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, polymethacrylic acid, and the like.
3. Electrode
[0068] The electrode according to the present invention is prepared by using the electrode
material slurry according to the present technology. Specifically, the electrode according
to the present invention can be prepared by coating and drying the electrode material
slurry according to the present technology on a current collector and thus forming
an electrode mixture layer thereon. The positive electrode is prepared with an electrode
material slurry containing the positive-electrode active material, while the negative
electrode with an electrode material slurry containing the negative-electrode active
material. The electrode according to the present invention is preferably used in production
of lithium-ion secondary batteries, nickel-hydrogen secondary batteries, and electric
double-layer capacitors, particularly preferably in production of lithium-ion secondary
batteries.
(1) Current collector
[0069] Normally, aluminum is used favorably as the positive-electrode current collector.
Normally, copper or aluminum is used favorably as the negative-electrode current collector.
The shape of the current collector is not particularly limited and may be, for example,
foil, mesh, expand metal, or the like. The shape of the current collector is preferably
that with larger aperture area, such as mesh or expand metal, for retention of the
electrolyte solution thereon after application. The thickness of the current collector
is preferably about 0.001 to 0.03 mm.
(2) Method for producing electrode
[0070] The electrode material slurry can be applied by a common method. Examples of the
application methods include reverse roll method, direct roll method, blade method,
knife method, extrusion method, curtain method, gravure method, bar method, dip method,
and squeeze method. Among the methods above, blade method (comma roll or die-cut),
knife method, and extrusion method are preferable. It is possible to obtain a coated
film with favorable surface state, by selecting then a suitable application method
according to the solution physical properties and the drying efficiency of the binder.
The binder may be coated on one or both faces and, if coated on both faces, the coating
may be carried out stepwise or simultaneously. The coating may be carried out continuously,
intermittent, or in stripe. The thickness and the length of the coated film of the
electrode material slurry can be determined arbitrarily according to the size of the
desired battery. For example, the thickness of the electrode material slurry coated,
i.e., the thickness of the mixture layer, may be in the range of 10 µm to 500 µm.
[0071] The electrode material slurry can be dried by any method commonly practiced. In particular,
it is preferable to use hot air, vacuum, infrared ray, far-infrared ray, electron
beam, or low-temperature wind alone or in combination. As the electrode material slurry
is prepared using water as the solvent in the present invention, it is possible to
dry the slurry at a temperature of about 50 to 130°C and thus to reduce the energy
needed for drying.
[0072] The electrode may be pressed, as needed. The press may be carried out by a method
commonly practiced, but in particular, mold press method and calendering-press method
(cold or hot roll) are preferable. The press pressure is not particularly limited,
but preferably 0.2 to 3 t/cm
2.
4. Secondary battery and capacitor
[0073] The secondary battery and the capacitor according to the present invention are prepared
using the electrode according to the present technology. Examples of the secondary
batteries include lithium-ion secondary batteries, nickel metal-hydrogen secondary
batteries, and the like, and examples of the capacitors include electric double-layer
capacitors and the like. In particular, the electrode according to the present technology
is particularly preferably used in lithium-ion secondary batteries. The secondary
battery and the capacitor according to the present invention preferably comprises
the electrodes according to the present invention (positive and negative electrodes),
a separator, and an electrolyte-containing solution (hereinafter, referred to simply
as "electrolyte solution"). The positive or negative electrode according to the present
invention may be used in combination with an electrode outside the technical scope
of the present invention.
(1) Separator
[0074] The separator for use may be any material with sufficient strength, such as an electrically
insulating porous film, a net, or a nonwoven fabric. In particular, the separator
for use is preferably less resistant to ionic movement of the electrolyte solution
and superior in retaining the solution. The material for the separator is not particularly
limited, but examples thereof include inorganic and organic fibers such as glass fibers,
synthetic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene,
and polyflon, the multi-layer composites thereof, and the like. A film-shaped article
of polyethylene or polypropylene or a multi-layer composite film thereof is desirable
from the viewpoints of adhesiveness and stability.
(2) Electrolyte solution
[0075] The electrolyte solution for use in lithium-ion secondary batteries is preferably
a nonaqueous solution-based solvent, such as an organic solvent, containing a lithium
salt as supporting electrolyte (hereinafter, referred to simply as "electrolyte").
The electrolyte contained in such an electrolyte solution may be any known lithium
salt and examples thereof include, but are not limited to, LiClO
4, LiBF
4, LiBF
6, LiPF
6, LiCF
3SO
3, LiCF
3CO
2, LiAsF
6, LiSbF
6, LiB
10Cl
10, LiAlCl
4, LiCl, LiBr, LiI, LiB(C
2H
5)
4, LiCF
3SO
3, LiCH
3SO
3, LiCF
3SO
3, LiC
4F
9SO
3, LiN(CF
3SO
2)
2, LiN(C
2F
5SO
2)
2, LiC(CF
3SO
2)
3, lithium salts of lower fatty carboxylic acids, and the like.
[0076] The electrolyte solution for use in nickel metal-hydride batteries is, for example,
an aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, or potassium hydroxide
as the electrolyte. The electrolyte solution for use in electric double-layer capacitors
contains a nonaqueous solution-based solvent, such as an organic solvent, containing
an electrolyte such as an ammonium salt or a sulfonium salt. The organic solvent used
in such cases may be a solvent or a solvent mixture of one or more of carbonates,
alcohols, nitriles, amides, ethers, and others.
[0077] The organic solvent for the electrolyte used in the lithium-ion secondary batteries
may be a solvent or a solvent mixture of one or more of carbonates, lactones such
as γ-butyrolactone, ethers, sulfoxides such as dimethylsulfoxide, oxolanes, nitrogen-containing
compounds, esters, inorganic esters, amides, glymes, ketones, sulfolanes such as sulfolane,
oxazolidinones such as 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone, sultones, and the like. Typical examples
of the carbonates include propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, butylene carbonate,
dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, methyl ethyl carbonate, and the like.
[0078] Typical examples of the ethers include trimethoxymethane, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, diethyl
ether, 2-ethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, and the like.
[0079] Typical examples of the oxolanes include 1,3-dioxolane, 4-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, and
the like.
[0080] Examples of the nitrogen-containing compounds include acetonitrile, nitromethane,
N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, and the like.
[0081] Examples of the esters include methyl formate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl
acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, phosphate triesters, and the like.
[0082] Examples of the inorganic esters include sulfate esters, nitrate esters, acid chlorides
esters, and the like.
[0083] Examples of the amides include dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, and the like.
[0084] Examples of the glymes include diglyme, triglyme, tetraglyme, and the like.
[0085] Examples of the ketones include acetone, diethyl ketone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl
isobutyl ketone, and the like.
[0086] Examples of the sultones include 1,3-propanesultone, 4-butanesultone, naphthasultone,
and the like.
[0087] In the case of a lithium-ion secondary battery, the non-aqueous electrolyte solution
is preferably a non-aqueous electrolyte solution of LiPF
6 dissolved in a carbonate solvent, and the concentration of the electrolyte may vary
according to the electrode and the electrolyte solution used, but is preferably 0.5
to 3 mole/l.
Examples
[0088] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference
to Examples and Comparative Examples, but it should be understood that the present
invention is not limited thereto.
<Example 1>
(1) Preparation of polymer emulsion
[0089] 84 Parts by mass (hereinafter, referred to simply as "parts") of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate
as (a3), 5 parts of methyl methacrylate as (a4), 5 parts of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate
as (a1), 0.8 part of methacrylic acid as (c), 2 parts of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate
as (a2), 3 parts of polyoxyethylene-1-(allyloxymethyl) alkylsulfonate ester ammonium
salt ("Aqualon KH-10", produced by Dai-ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd., the same applies
hereinafter) as (b) and 100 parts of water were placed in a temperature-adjustable
container equipped with a stirrer and the mixture was polymerized with 0.2 part of
ammonium persulfate at 80°C for 6 hours. The polymerization conversion rate was 99%.
The mixture was neutralized with aqueous 10% potassium hydroxide solution to pH 7,
to give a polymer emulsion having a solid matter content of 50 mass %. In other words,
the polymer emulsion contained polymer particles in an amount of 50 mass %.
(2) Preparation of positive-electrode material slurry
[0090] 5 Parts as solid matter of the polymer emulsion (binder composition) above, 2 parts
of carboxymethylcellulose, 84 parts of LiFePO
4, 7 parts of acetylene black, and 2 parts of fibrous carbon were mixed, to give a
positive-electrode material slurry having a solid matter content of 42%.
(3) Evaluation of positive-electrode material slurry
(A) Evaluation of slurry's storage stability
[0091] The positive-electrode material slurry prepared was stored still, as the container
was sealed, and the properties of the slurry were examined after 1 week. The slurry
was examined visually and a slurry with gelation, coarse particles, or significant
change in viscosity was rated as "unfavorable"; that with favorable properties, without
coarse particles, and also without significant change in viscosity change was rated
as "favorable"; and that with some change in viscosity, but without coarse particles
was rated as "good".
(B) Evaluation of the smoothness of coated film
[0092] The positive-electrode material slurry prepared was coated on a positive-electrode
current collector (aluminum foil) to a thickness of 200 µm. The coated film was visually
examined and a coated film with streaks of coarse particles on the coated surface
was rated as "unfavorable"; that without the streaks as "favorable"; and that with
some streaks as "good."
(4) Preparation of positive electrode
[0093] The positive-electrode material slurry prepared was then coated on both faces of
a positive-electrode current collector (aluminum foil) having a thickness of 20 µm
to a slurry-coating amount of 140 g/m
2 on each face and the coated film was dried to form a positive-electrode mixture layer.
The sheet was pressed by a roll pressing machine to a positive-electrode mixture layer
thickness of 148 µm on both faces and cut to a width of 54 mm, to give stripe-shaped
electrode-coated sheets. An aluminum current collector tab was connected to the terminal
of the electrode-coated sheet by fusion under ultrasonication. The resulting sheet
was dried under vacuum at 120°C for 14 hours for complete removal of volatile components
such as residual solvent and adsorbed water, to give a positive electrode. The adhesiveness
of the positive-electrode mixture layer and the pencil hardness of the positive electrode
prepared were evaluated according to the following methods:
(5) Evaluation of positive electrode
(C) Evaluation of adhesiveness
[0094] The adhesiveness between the current collector and the positive-electrode active
material was evaluated according to the crosscut test of JIS K-5600-5-6, using a 25-square
grid pattern with a square width of 2 mm formed on the positive electrode prepared.
The results are rated on six stages as 0 to 5 and a smaller number indicates higher
adhesiveness.
(D) Evaluation of pencil hardness
[0095] The pencil hardness was determined, using the positive electrode prepared, according
to the scratch hardness (pencil test) of JIS K-5600-5-4. The results are rated on
14 stages as 6B to 6H.
(6) Preparation of negative electrode
[0096] Subsequently, 98 parts of graphite, 1 part as solid matter of the polymer emulsion
prepared (binder composition), and 1 part of carboxymethylcellulose were mixed as
negative-electrode active material and the mixture was kneaded, as water was added
thereto as needed, to give a negative-electrode material slurry.
[0097] The negative-electrode material slurry was coated on both faces of a negative-electrode
current collector (copper foil) having a thickness of 10 µm to a slurry-coating amount
of 70 g/m
2 on each face and the wet sheet was dried to form a negative-electrode mixture layer.
The sheet was then pressed by a roll pressing machine to a negative-electrode mixture
layer thickness of 90 µm on both faces of the negative-electrode current collector
and cut to a width of 56 mm, to give a rectangular electrode-coated sheet. A nickel
current collector tab was connected to the terminal of the electrode-coated sheet
by fusion under ultrasonication, and the resulting sheet was dried under vacuum at
120°C for 14 hours for complete removal of volatile components, such as residual solvent
and adsorbed water, to give a negative electrode.
(7) Preparation of lithium-ion secondary battery
[0098] The positive and negative electrodes thus obtained were wound with a microporous
polyethylene film separator having a thickness of 25 µm and a width of 60 mm placed
between them, to give a spiral roll. The roll was placed in a battery container, and
then, a nonaqueous electrolyte solution (ethylene carbonate/methyl ethyl carbonate
liquid mixture: 30/70 (mass ratio)) was injected into the battery container in an
amount of 5 ml and the container was closed and sealed, to give a cylindrical lithium
secondary battery having a diameter of 18 mm and a height of 65 mm (3.4 V-940 mAh).
The battery performance of the lithium-ion secondary battery prepared was evaluated
by the following methods:
(8) Evaluation of lithium-ion secondary battery
[0099] The lithium-ion secondary battery prepared was charged at 25°C under a constant current
and a constant voltage of 0.2 ItA (188 mA) and 4.0 V and discharged under a constant
current of 0.2 ItA to 2.0 V.
(E) Evaluation of discharge rate characteristics (capacity retention rate)
[0100] Then, the discharge capacity at a discharge current was determined, as the discharge
current was changed from 0.2 ItA to 1 ItA. The recovery charging after each measurement
was carried out under constant current and constant voltage (1 ItA and 4.0 V). The
retention rate of the high-speed discharge capacity when discharged at 1 ItA, as compared
with that when discharged at 0.2 ItA was calculated.
(F) Evaluation of cycle characteristics (capacity retention rate)
[0101] A battery was subjected to charging under a constant current of 1 ItA and a constant
charge voltage of 4.0 V and discharging under a constant current of 1 ItA to a final
discharge voltage of 2.0 V at an ambient temperature of 25°C. The cycle of charging
and discharging was repeated, and the ratio of the discharge capacity in the 500th
cycle to that of the 1st cycle was determined and used as the cycle capacity retention
rate.
[0102] The test results are summarized in "Table 1."
<Example 2>
[0103] The polymer emulsion (binder composition) of Example 2 was prepared and evaluated
in a manner similar to Example 1, except that the polymer composition of the polymer
emulsion (binder composition) of Example 1 was changed to 83 parts of 2-ethylhexyl
acrylate as (a3), 5 parts of methyl methacrylate as (a4), 5 parts of 2-hydroxyethyl
methacrylate as (a1), 0.8 part of methacrylic acid as (c), 2 parts of ethylene glycol
dimethacrylate as (a2), and 4 parts of a polyoxyethylene-1-(allyloxymethyl) alkylsulfonate
ester ammonium salt as (b). In addition, an electrode material slurry and a lithium-ion
secondary battery were prepared and evaluated in a manner similar to Example 1, using
the polymer emulsion prepared. The same shall apply also to the following Examples
3 to 9.
<Example 3>
[0104] The polymer emulsion (binder composition) of Example 3 was prepared and evaluated
in a manner similar to Example 1, except that the polymer composition of the polymer
emulsion (binder composition) of Example 1 was changed to 87 parts of 2-ethylhexyl
methacrylate as (a3), 5 parts of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate as (a1), 0.8 part of
methacrylic acid as (c), 2 parts of allyl methacrylate as (a2), and 5 parts of a polyoxyalkylene
alkenylethersulfonate ester ammonium salt ("LATEMUL PD-104," produced by Kao Corp.)
as (b).
<Example 4>
[0105] The polymer emulsion (binder composition) of Example 4 was prepared and evaluated
in a manner similar to Example 1, except that the polymer composition of the polymer
emulsion (binder composition) of Example 1 was changed to 85 parts of 2-ethylhexyl
acrylate as (a3), 5 parts of methyl methacrylate as (a4), 5 parts of 2-hydroxyethyl
methacrylate as (a1), 0.8 part of methacrylic acid as (c), 2 parts of ethylene glycol
dimethacrylate as (a2), and 1.5 parts of a polyoxyethylene-1-(allyloxymethyl) alkylsulfonate
ester ammonium salt and 1 part of sodium p-styrenesulfonate as (b).
<Example 5>
[0106] The polymer emulsion (binder composition) of Example 5 was prepared and evaluated
in a manner similar to Example 1, except that the polymer composition of the polymer
emulsion (binder composition) of Example 1 was changed to 84 parts of 2-ethylhexyl
acrylate as (a3), 5 parts of methyl methacrylate as (a4), 5 parts of 2-hydroxyethyl
methacrylate as (a1), 0.8 part of methacrylic acid as (c), 2 parts of ethylene glycol
dimethacrylate as (a2), and 1.5 parts of a polyoxyethylene-1-(allyloxymethyl) alkylsulfonate
ester ammonium salt and 2 parts of sodium p-styrenesulfonate as (b).
<Example 6>
[0107] The polymer emulsion (binder composition) of Example 6 was prepared and evaluated
in a manner similar to Example 1, except that the polymer composition of the polymer
emulsion (binder composition) of Example 1 was changed to 38 parts of 2-ethylhexyl
acrylate and 50 parts of 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate as (a3), 5 parts of 2-hydroxyethyl
methacrylate as (a1), 0.8 part of methacrylic acid as (c), 2 parts of ethylene glycol
dimethacrylate as (a2), and 4 parts of a polyoxyethylene-1-(allyloxymethyl) alkylsulfonate
ester ammonium salt as (b).
<Example 7>
[0108] The polymer emulsion (binder composition) of Example 7 was prepared and evaluated
in a manner similar to Example 1, except that the polymer composition of the polymer
emulsion (binder composition) of Example 1 was changed to 76 parts of 2-ethylhexyl
acrylate as (a3), 5 parts of methyl methacrylate as (a4), 5 parts of 4-hydroxybutyl
acrylate as (a1), 0.8 part of methacrylic acid as (c), 10 parts of ethylene glycol
dimethacrylate as (a2), and 3 parts of a polyoxyethylene allyloxymethyl alkoxyethylsulfonate
ester ammonium salt ("ADEKA REASOAP SR-10," produced by ADEKA) as (b).
<Example 8>
[0109] The polymer emulsion (binder composition) of Example 8 was prepared and evaluated
in a manner similar to Example 1, except that the polymer composition of the polymer
emulsion (binder composition) of Example 1 was changed to 83 parts of 2-ethylhexyl
acrylate as (a3), 5 parts of methyl methacrylate as (a4), 5 parts of 2-hydroxyethyl
methacrylate as (a1), 2 parts of methacrylic acid as (c), 2 parts of ethylene glycol
dimethacrylate as (a2), and 3 parts of a polyoxyethylene-1-(allyloxymethyl) alkylsulfonate
ester ammonium salt as (b).
<Example 9>
[0110] The polymer emulsion (binder composition) of Example 9 was prepared and evaluated
in a manner similar to Example 1, except that the polymer composition of the polymer
emulsion (binder composition) of Example 1 was changed to 5 parts of methyl methacrylate
and 84 parts of butyl acrylate as (a4), 5 parts of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate as
(a1), 0.8 part of methacrylic acid as (c), 2 parts of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate
as (a2), and 3 parts of a polyoxyethylene-1-(allyloxymethyl) alkylsulfonate ester
ammonium salt as (b).
<Comparative Example 1>
[0111] The polymer emulsion (binder composition) of Comparative Example 1 was prepared and
evaluated in a manner similar to Example 1, except that the polymer composition of
the polymer emulsion (binder composition) of Example 1 was changed to 89 parts of
2-ethylhexyl acrylate as (a3), 5 parts of methyl methacrylate as (a4), 5 parts of
2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate as (a1), 0.1 part of methacrylic acid as (c), 0.1 part
of allyl methacrylate as (a2), and 1.5 parts of polyoxyethylene-1-(allyloxymethyl)
alkylsulfonate ester ammonium salt as (b).
<Comparative Example 2>
[0112] The polymer emulsion (binder composition) of Comparative Example 2 was prepared and
evaluated in a manner similar to Example 1, except that the polymer composition of
the polymer emulsion (binder composition) of Example 1 was changed to 77 parts of
2-ethylhexyl acrylate as (a3), 5 parts of methyl methacrylate as (a4), 5 parts of
2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate as (a1), 0.8 part of methacrylic acid as (c), 2 parts
of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as (a2), and 10 parts of a polyoxyethylene-1-(allyloxymethyl)
alkylsulfonate ester ammonium salt as (b).
[0113] The test results in Examples 2 to 9 and Comparative Example 1 and 2 are also summarized
in "Table 1."

<Example 10 and Comparative Example 3>
(Positive electrode containing LiFePO4 carbon black composite)
[0114] A composite powder of acetylene black (average primary particle diameter: 35 nm),
carbon nanotube, and LiFePO
4 was prepared by sintering.
[0115] An electrode material slurry and a battery were prepared and evaluated in a manner
similar to Example 1, except that: in preparation of the positive-electrode material
slurry, the same amount (93 parts) of the olivine-type lithium iron phosphate-acetylene
black-carbon nanotube complex prepared was used, replacing LiFePO
4 (84 parts), acetylene black (7 parts), and fibrous carbon (2 parts); and the polymer
emulsion of Example 1 was used in Example 10 and the polymer emulsion of Comparative
Example 1 was used in Comparative Example 3.
<Comparative Example 4>
[0116] A positive-electrode material slurry having a solid matter content of 47% was prepared
as the same amount (90 parts) of the olivine-type lithium iron phosphate-acetylene
black-carbon nanotube complex prepared was used, replacing LiFePO
4 (84 parts), acetylene black (7 parts), and fibrous carbon (2 parts) and 10 parts
(as solid matter) of a solution containing PVDF as resin binder dissolved in NMP at
8% as was mixed. A battery was prepared and evaluated similarly to Example 1, except
that the positive electrode material slurry above was used.
[0117] The test results are summarized in "Table 2."

[0118] Table 1 shows that the electrode material slurries obtained from the lithium-ion
secondary battery binder compositions for electrode in Examples of the present invention
are superior in storage stability, give a favorable coated film on electrodes, and
also a lithium-ion secondary batteries superior in discharge rate characteristics
and cycle characteristics.
[0119] The results above were obtained, not only when the olivine-type lithium iron phosphate
was used as the positive-electrode active material, but also when a manganese-based
composite lithium oxide, a mixed cobalt oxide, or a nickel-based mixed oxide was used.
The results of slurry storage stability, smoothness of coated film, adhesiveness,
and pencil hardness were similar among the negative electrodes for lithium-ion secondary
battery used in Examples above, the electrodes for nickel-hydrogen secondary batteries,
and the electrodes for electric double-layer capacitors.